G-7 Explains Why Legal Battle with PDP Former EXCO Members Continues
By Otimkpu Reporters, Owerri, Imo State
In a chance encounter at the Owerri Magistrate Court on Thursday, the group of former Imo PDP State Working Committee members, popularly known as the G-7, reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing justice over what they described as defamatory allegations made against them by their former party colleagues.
The G-7, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2023, are currently locked in a protracted legal battle with the leadership of the Imo PDP over claims of financial misconduct made shortly after their defection.
Otimkpu Reporters can reliably confirm that the seven former executives were accused of embezzling campaign funds meant for the PDP’s presidential campaign. The allegations, which emerged just hours after their defection, prompted the G-7 to file a defamation lawsuit against their accusers, insisting the claims were baseless and damaging to their reputations.
Speaking to our correspondent outside the courtroom, one of the G-7 members, Hon. GOC Nwadike, a former State Youth Leader of the PDP, declined to comment on the details of the ongoing court proceedings, citing legal constraints.
“When a matter is in court, it’s no longer open for public or media discussion,” Nwadike said. “What’s important is that we are here to clear our names and defend our individual integrities. We will not rest until justice is served.”
The G-7 first made headlines on June 18, 2023, when they jointly announced their resignation from both the PDP and the State Working Committee during a press briefing in Owerri. The members who resigned include:
Sir Martins Ejiogu, then State Deputy Chairman
Nze Reymond Emeana, State Secretary
Mrs. Maria Mbakwe, State Woman Leader
Hon. GOC Nwadike, State Youth Leader
Prince Collins Opuruzor, Publicity Secretary
Barr. Josiah Eze, State Treasurer
Barr. Chibuisi Obiduo, State Vice Chairman, Orlu Zone
Barely hours after their exit, the remaining PDP executives convened a separate press conference, accusing the former officers of misappropriating funds intended for the party’s 2023 presidential campaign—a claim the G-7 has consistently denied.
According to their legal team, the presidential campaign funds were never routed through the SWC and were not under their control.
As the case continues, the G-7 remains resolute in seeking legal redress, with proceedings expected to continue in the coming months.
